Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS’ Direct File — but the free tax program is still available

Did DOGE really ‘delete’ the tech division that helped create the IRS Direct File free tax filing service?

Elon Musk, head of the chaos-causing Department of Government Efficiency, made an assertion this week that raised questions in some people’s minds about the status of the IRS Direct File program. That program enables tax filers in 25 states, if they choose, to file their taxes for free on the IRS website, if their tax returns aren’t too complex.

Trump, at least for now, has not terminated Direct File, the free IRS tax filing system

"That group has been deleted," Elon Musk said of a federal office that produced and designed Direct File.

Other View: Keep taxes easy and free to file

As tax season gets underway, we are happy to say that now about half the country will benefit from the IRS’ free Direct File program, which lets people with relatively straightforward income tax returns get their refund or make their payment via an online portal. New York was one of the initial 12 states included in last year’s pilot that has doubled to 25 states, including Wisconsin and South Dakota. We used it last year. It works, and it works…

Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS' Direct File, but the free tax program is still available

Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk posted Monday on his social media site that he had “deleted” 18F, a government agency that worked on technology projects such as the IRS’ Direct File program. This led to some confusion about whether Direct File is still available to taxpayers, but the free filing program is still available, at least for the coming tax season.

IRS Direct File Program Still Available, Despite Elon Musk-Created Confusion

Americans across multiple states who were planning to file their taxes through a free IRS online program still have the opportunity to do so, despite Elon Musk’s comments about taking away the opportunity. The Direct File program is still available for taxpayers with simple returns even as the program and the IRS as a whole face hostility from Musk and the Trump administration. IRS Direct File program still offering free tax filing Direct File, …

Elon Musk says he 'deleted' IRS Direct File. Can taxpayers still use the free service?

This should be a banner year for taxpayers seeking free tax-preparation. But one key IRS program is under fire.